Mining remains South Africa’s main export sector, accounting for R660 billion in export earnings between January and November 2024, according to the South African Revenue Service.
The next-biggest is vehicles, aircraft and vessels (R257bn), which exceeds precious metal exports at R208bn.
Fourth-largest is iron and steel products, at R191bn.
All the leading value-added sectors are under pressure, which puts clearing and forwarding agents dependent on these sectors at risk. Companies which have diversified into handling perishables have a growing market, in the view of Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa.
- Read the full article in our Freight Features edition on "Clearing & Forwarding."
